Cardiac Arrhythmias: Medical History

The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias.

Family History

  • Do you have relatives who suffer from palpitations or other cardiac arrhythmias?
  • Are there any diseases in your family that are common? (Metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychiatric diseases).

Social history

  • What is your profession?
  • Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession?
  • Are you unemployed?
  • Do you intend to retire early (early retirement due to illness)?
  • Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • When did the cardiac arrhythmias first occur?
  • When did the cardiac arrhythmia last occur?
  • How frequently do the arrhythmia occur (daily, weekly, monthly)?
  • How does the cardiac arrhythmia begin?
    • Suddenly?
    • Gradually?
  • In what situations does the arrhythmia occur?
    • Exciting situations/when exerting yourself?
    • Prolonged time after excitement or physical exertion?
    • During sleep
  • During arrhythmia, how many times does the heart beat per minute?
  • Does the pulse beat regularly or irregularly during the arrhythmia?
  • How long does the arrhythmia last?
  • How does the cardiac arrhythmia end?
    • Suddenly?
    • Gradually?
  • What other symptoms do you notice during the arrhythmia?
    • “Chest tightness* ” or sudden pain in the heart area?* .
    • Shortness of breath?*
    • Dizziness?*
    • Unconsciousness or threat of unconsciousness?*
  • Can you terminate the cardiac arrhythmia yourself by maneuvers or tricks? If yes, then please indicate by which ones?
  • Do you feel that you are no longer able to work under pressure?
  • Do you suffer from lack of sleep (insomnia)?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Are you overweight? Please tell us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • Do you eat a balanced diet?
  • Do you get enough exercise every day?
  • Do you like to drink coffee, black and green tea? If so, how many cups per day?
  • Do you drink other or additional caffeinated beverages? If so, how much of each?
  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

Medication history

  • See under “Cardiac arrhythmia due to medication”.
  • Specifically ask about:
    • Anticoagulation
    • Antiarrhythmics
    • Cardiovascular drugs
    • QT time-prolonging drugs
    • Thyroxine

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Data without guarantee)